DrSueJones

Info

We study electrical and chemical signals in neurons, the basis of neuronal communication in the nervous system. We aim to understand how neuronal communication is disrupted in pathological states that mimic neurological disorders.

Research areas

Research Interests

NMDA receptors and synaptic control of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta

Substantia nigra dopamine neurons form part of the basal ganglia circuit, which is needed for motivated voluntary movement control. Degeneration of dopamine neurons is a characteristic feature of Parkinson’s disease. We study glutamatergic synapses onto dopamine neurons, with a particular interest in NMDA glutamate receptors: how they are regulated, and the balance between physiological and pathological NMDA receptor activity. For example, Paul Morris is a PhD student in the lab and he is currently studying activity-dependent down-regulation of NMDA receptors. This work has been funded by the BBSRC, Parkinson’s UK, the Wellcome Trust and the Isaac Newton Trust.

Related Links

Above: Dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra have been immunolabelled with an antibody (red) and a nuclear stain (blue) to enable us to determine the density of dopamine neurons under different conditions. NMDA reduces the density, and this effect is reversed by memantine. From Wild et al., 2013.

Above: The use-dependent NMDA receptor antagonist, memantine reduces NMDA receptor mediated synaptic currents in response to high frequency stimulation, but not those in response to low frequency stimulation. From Wild et al., 2013.